CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET
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8. Moreover, both Hong Kong and Peking now say that Operation
Champion should only be implemented as part of a joint Sino-British effort involving firm assurances from the Chinese that they would
do all that was necessary on their side of the border.
G
Hong Kong
have in fact already publicly anounced steps to extend the
mandatory carrying of identity cards, to cover the whole of the
New Territories and outlying islands, less New Kowloon, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi Island. This is clearly in response to the
already climbing daily rate of illegal immigrants which were
estimated at 831 on 8 September.
9. The change in timing should create no problems for us and would
give the provincial authorities in Guangdong a little more time
to make the necessary preparations on their side of the border.
Obtaining cast-iron assurances in Peking is another matter and it
would be worth clarifying with the Governor whether he still
intends to go ahead with Operation Champion should these not be
forthcoming.
C. Morrice
P Morrice
11 September 1980
Hong Kong and General Department
CC
FED
Mr Donald or
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